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subterfuge - something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity.

Quote :

Some people never grow old enough to be mature.

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Self-confidence

Are you confident? Do you see yourself as somebody who could do anything at hand? What does self-confidence mean?

I ponder on this question because I've seen people who are exuding an aura of pure confidence. I have also seen people who seem to have the character to be confident and yet they don;t show it. Others have the guts to call themselves confident but uh-oh, they stumble like dominoes.

Confidence is defined as the belief in one's self and ability. It's supposed to be a freedom from doubt. Does anybody really do get a good grade on having no doubts on himself?

As I looked at people, there seem to be a relationship between confidence and open-mindedness. The ability to entertain other forms of ideas is a sign of confidence. Being able to grasp things which are new or which are given a new definition is a true measure of confidence. You can be confident in what you do but then again if you stick with it in this dynamic world of changes, you will soon lose that confidence. Being open to whatever, however, drives people to assess things as they come, using experience and informed judgment to be confident in the things that they do.

This topic on self-confidence and open-mindedness will stick a long time in my mind as I gather more information and observe real-life experiences along my life.

My confidence is surely high that I can stumble on good and real meaning of self-confidence.

This is just a thought a minute before lunch time. But I'm confident this is not a result of hunger. But I'm open to the possibility that this is just an illusion. Somehow, I can realize what is real and what is just a perception...

C. Wrapping1. Spread a single wrapper in a clean dry plate2. Put enough filling (about 1 tbsp) into the wrapper, near the edge.3. Put 1 slice cheese on top of the filling.4. Roll the wrapper ensuring that the filling is fully covered.5. Seal the rooled lumpia with water.

Procedure:1. Put pork belly in a pan.2. Heat until some of its oil had been squeezed out by heat (in short, pakupsan, hehehe), do the ukay always.3. Do not overcook the pork (very important). Remove pan from heat.4. Put the (slightly) pinakupsan into a pot (including the expressed oil).5. Add all other ingredients. Mix well.6. Heat and simmer for 15 min with occasional mixing.7. Add soy sauce and/or more sugar to taste.8. Simmer for about half an hour, occasionally mixing to prevent pork from sticking to the pot.

Note: It is important not to add water. It ruins my recipe... Hehehe...The main difference with other Humba recipe is the pakupos part, others just put water and boil the pork until tender. When doing the pakupos, do not overdo it, do not let all parts turn brown as if you want to eat it already. The correct time to remove the pinakupsan from heat is when it just turns brown with some expressed oil already.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Maturity

A person decides to himself what he wants to do with his life. Can we consider him mature? When can we say that a person is mature enough? I was once labelled immature, I don't know why... I was seen as having an extended childhood, that is, I treat things lightly.... But then I haven't change much from that point of view but I am labelled mature now. Is it my age?

Maturity for me comes in different levels depending on the situation. In the events where you have vast experience, you are mature enough. Because you have acquired different solutions to the problem at hand. On the other hand, in issues wherein you don't have much knowledge, you are immature. Some people generalize others based on the nature of which they see this person.

Maturity comes with age, of course, but there are no specifics on what particular age range. Each person comes with different degrees of maturity. A fully mature person is the one who distance himself from the situation and assess it from an angle where he can see all the aspects. Then slowly, enters back into the situation, in each step eliminating unreasonable and absurd scenarios. In the near end, he will be able to formulate a solution that may not be right at all times but is for the greater good. And then, stuck with it. And he can stuck with it because he had already seen all around it.

Have you seen enough mature people around you? Do they act like a mature person? Do they talk maturely? Well, maybe, maybe not. But then, how do you know? Are you mature enough to spot these traits of a mature person? Writing here, do I know what I have just written? My assessment is that I may be mature enough in some aspects but not with other situationis.

Then, maybe it's time to look at ourselves and determine to what degree our maturity is. We set the standards to ourselves and try to reach it... We can lower it or make it higher. It doesn't matter how other people see us. It is their perception, it is their convection to interpret what they see, it is their analysis to untangle what they hear. In the end, it is always us who takes the future of our life into maturity.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Tuna-Macaroni Salad

Pasta1. Cook the salad macaroni per instruction (usually 13 minutes) until firm and tender.2. Strain and wash the macaroni with tap water until warm to touch.

Carrot1. Slice carrot into fine cubes, about 1/4 in.2. Put in a casserole and boil for 1 minute, please do not overcook.

Cheese1. Slice cheese into fine cubes, again about 1/4 in. Tuna 1. Drain tuna from oil or brine.2. Press with a fork until fine, not really very fine.

The Mix1. Add macaroni and mayo magic first and mix thoroughly.2. Add the condensed milk and mix.3. Add the carrot and mix.4. Add the cheese and mix.5. Add the pickle relish and mix.6. Add the tuna and mix.7. Splash the salt and taste.8. The taste should be not so sweet and not so sour with a flavor of tuna.9. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.10. Enjoy!!!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Success

Different people have different views. Different individuals have different opinions. An experience may lead to another. There is what we call SUCCESS.

What is success? It is an achievement of a goal and the opposite of failure. So, if we say SUCCESS, it means there problems and goals being overcame. When we say, we are successful, what goals did we achieve? At the start of our lives, we already have goals or purpose, yet we don't know them. At a certain age, we seem to see our goal, our objective. And usually, this is superficial. We dream of a few things to make us comfortable and happy. Then after achieving this, we see another goal, another milestone to reach. Everytime, we envision to accomplish big things, we do it bit by bit. By solving small things, we learn and somehow, along the way, we get to solve big things.

But what really is our goal? When I ponder in front of a mirror each morning when I wake up, I usually ask myself, 'What will I do today?'. And almost every single time I answer myself back, I would say 'Get things done.'. But somewhere deep inside tells me this is not enough. Being able to wake up each day and do the things I need to do, makes me wonder, 'What do I achieve each day?' And then, I begin to realize, I should have a goal way back when I was conceived. I just did not know it. And somewhere along my teenage life, I could have seen it but just ignore it, pretending to see what I want to see and believe.

Struggling to know my real worth and purpose, I came to ask my inner self, the good-natured nucleus of my life. I ponder on things I read, on words I hear and on the experience I felt and the beauty that I see. Around me are beautiful things and not so beautiful things. Beside me are soft voices and not so soft melodies. At night, it is hard to hear the defeaning silence when you are in an urban area. Yet you don't understand what you hear. You just listen to the humdrum of life as it goes. And again I wonder, am I successful? Yes, literally, I have goals and objectives being achieved. But hese objectives are far from the real motive of my life on earth. Failure on the other hand, I may not admit it, also proliferate throughout my life. But to treat it as an obstacle, I learned to view it as a success. For every failure that comes, it is an oppurtunity to succeed. I am successful in divining the action as failure. Acceptance of failure is in itself willpower. But then again, with this in mind, 'am I successful?' I don't know. I have yet to see, feel and embrace my real goal. I know in the near future, I can fathom this and will be able to guide my actions and reactions towards the fulfillment of this ultimate goal, little by little.

As of now, I am contented in finding this, until I will be successful. Who knows, this maybe is my goal - finding the real motive. But then, I can always snapback to where I am now... making a post on a blog called 'The World of Reality'. We have different views and then there is reality and perception.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Cyndi Lois C. Navarro

Monday, March 26, 2007

Mama

Yesterday was the birthday of Mama Dayon, a name coming from Indayon, which was derived from Inday Ion, from the name Anunciacion.

She is the eldest daughter of Lola Abiog, the nickname of Flavia, and Lolo Kikong, short for Federico.

Me and my brothers definitely grew up with Mama. Papa, at times, was assigned to different places being a DECS supervisor.

Mama knew everything about each of us brothers more than we know each other. She had a humble beginnings and she wanted us to reflect and know what life is during her times. Together with Papa, they nurture us, guided us through all our fragile years. She is a disciplinarian and was even branded as a terror teacher in Maralag Elementary School, all for the purpose of taking us all in the right side of the path of life.

She often tell stories about sacrifices and love. In school, she would gather pupils and read them stories of a book. She is a good story-teller. In stories where settings are described, she elaborates more, adding descriptions and other adverbs and adjectives that make us "see" what we hear.

She is loving and thoughtful. Very seldom can I see her making comments on how hard life is even though it's evident that at times she can hardly make end things met.

I cannot quantify nor measure the gratitude due to her. Her having a soft heart is very evident when relatives went to her and ask for favor. Upon weighing that indeed they need help, she immediately hand off help and whisper not to mention anything. She want to be anonymous in helping.

She is now 67 years old and still an active woman. She tirelessly help others, offer advices, take care of my father and do other things which really amazes me.

She always made us help in every household chores. She made us scrub and sweep floors, wash dishes, cook, "manianggi", etc. I remember one May 11, their wedding anniversary, and the sked of us to make cakes for the fiesta which is in May 13. We had already prepared and baked a couple of cakes in a very crude oven. When receiving from Mama a layer of one upside-down cake, I accidentally dropped it to the floor and it scattered all over the place. She was very mad at us and was bursting with anger but immediately cool down and grinned upon seeing the three of us scrambling to eat the scattered cakes on the floor. Her heart softened seeing her children eat the precious cake, which we only ate on very special occasions then. (we didn't get sick due to that fallen cake).

Happier times will always be a less merry without Mama. She has always this magic trick or two in her sleeves. She has so many talents and ideas which just flow when she is working on things, be it in preparing food, decorating or even making shows for her pupils. Until now, she always caught me off-guard with her unexpected actions. By the way, I get my first magic trick from her. That old black magic stuff which still hounds spectators when I perform during gatherings.

Mama is always Mama Dayon. She inspires a lot. Her words of wisdom always tingle in my mind wherever I am in situations that need decisions. I usually ask myself, "what would Mama do?"

Mama, thank you for all the things that you've done to us. The ups and downs in your guidance and the trick or two made us what we are today. Your simple yet inspiring stories of love and affection molded us into loving beings... Your unconditional love will guide us to provide the same to our children.

Friday, March 23, 2007

REX

Today, March 23, is the birthday of my younger brother, REX.

In our younger years, being the youngest of our brood, he was the one who is the mediator or pacifier between me and my other brother. Sometimes, we fight to have the right to be of Rex's friend or we fight for Rex's decision to be in our side. Rex is always the good boy, at least for me and Jun. He is a very good-natured person and God-fearing as well.

He is also talented, being able to tour some cities abroad because of his dancing skills which was brought about by his hate to attend CMT during college days.

In his chosen endeavors, he always got high marks and he always excel in it. He got first honors in elementary and plunging into Silliman University High School got him going through tough grind. College, I guess, was then normal and easy for him.

At times when I went home for a vacation and there he is, tinkering on his projects, especially Flavia, his robotic head named after our grandmother. I 'm always amazed by his ability to absorb very technical information and knowledge especially in his field of computer engineering.

I always look up to the times when we discuss about these things. I am fascinated with electronics and other computer related topics. But he is more informed than me so I always take his words on it.

Presently, a Singapore guy and will be a father in the next few weeks, he and wife Memel are good buddies and not just a man and wife. They share a common interest, being both computer engineers themselves. I am happy for them. And with their first child, a baby girl, I am sure it will be a good year for them.

Happy Birthday Mac. Mac is coming from Tex MacKenzie, a wrestler, we knew when we were kids.

Friday, February 23, 2007

What is happening?

Pacquiao, after getting the most of his life, wants to ruin a colorful life by plunging into politics.

BAP (Basketball Association of the Philippines), after getting what it wants - to retain BAP in the name of the new cage body - BAP-SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas), wants to ruin the hopes of the nation by still clinging to the national team it created which was the successor of the team which was humiliated by never-been's.

These are a few scenarios nowadays which almost cover newspapers, televisions, radio, etc. It proves that really Pinoys love comedy, tragedy and drama.

This coming May elections, which falls on the birthay of my brother Jun, is a test for the Filipino people. By way of media and other information channels, Filipinos are now in a better position to fully grasp what has happened to our country.

I personally believe that this May elections will be far better than before in terms of the quality of the votes that will be casted. Quality here means a very thought-of choice, not based on popularity and money, but on the sincerity of those who wanted to get elected.

The Filipino people nowadays had already heard enough, read enough and witnessed enough. Administration and opposition people believe they will win. What I want to win are the Filipino people. These parties unite and quarrel for a sole purpose of winning in numbers, to control municipalities, provinces, cities, the congress and the senate.

With this in the minds of these people, it is no doubt, one of them will win. But the question remains, is it also a victory of the Filipino people or not?

This, hopefully, will be reflected coming May. I certainly hope and pray that Filipinos will make the people win and not any party or personality.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Disconnected

I was out of circulation, that is the WEB, for about two weeks. My home PC was bugged by excessive spyware which slowed it down almost to a halt. I couldn't track exactly where I pushed on my USB disk to get the infection. It may be from work or the school where I teach. I tried getting it back up by reformatting the disk but when I get back to logging the net I end up being zapped... It took me about ten days looking for a suitable anti-spyware.

PC in the office is also having difficulty on network being it a wireless connection to the servers.

The past days with which I was disconnected from the World Wide Web seems just ordinary. My routine was okay, work is great, the kids fine. It seems that nothing had happened. But when I got the connection back yesterday, it seems the opposite. There are things that I missed. Somehow, it feels void, empty, after the first few strokes. I rushed back to scan my favorite sites. Realization came that I really missed a lot.

Internet has really gone into my system. I previously believe in the saying that "You don't know what you got till you lose it" but now the saying should go: "You don't know what you got till you find it again after losing".

Saturday, August 05, 2006

SUDOKU

It has been quite a while... Whew!!!

I have nothing in mind to write. So I'll just take it from there and trust my fingers which translates the signal coming from my brain on what to write here. Obviously, I want to jot down something which as of this moment I don't know what.

Anyway, I came across this crossword-like puzzle but made up of numbers, it's called sudoku. I don't really know what that word means and I don't intend to know, that is, as of the moment. I found this game out only last June in an Inquirer copy and got hooked since then.

A simple sudoku has 81 squares, built in a 9 X 9 matrix. You will then have 9 horizontal lines each having 9 squares, 9 vertical lines having each having 9 squares and 9 groups made up of 3 X 3 matrix (again that's 9 squares). If you cannot get what I mean, just surf it in the web. I'm bad at giving descriptions.

The object of the game is to have all nine numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) in the horizontal squares, vertical squares, and the 3 X 3 matrix with no repeated numbers in each of the group. These squares are initially filled with numbers but not all of them. There can be as many as 45 numbers given and player only fill the remaining 31 squares. An evil soduku has at most 15 numbers given and it's up to the player to fill in the 66 squares.

At first, I find it difficult to comprehend. I was used to the tic-tac-toe type ofnumbers game and it makes me think for a long while on how to get the job done. After solving my first easy soduku in a record 1 hour, 34minutes! (That's a very loooong time.) I scanned the web for any hints on how to solve it. There are many hints on how to get it right but still you have to practice these skills in order to spot the unique square where to put a number.

The game gave me back my sharpness in numbers and logic. It somehow soothes me from the troubles in the office. I play soduku at least 20 times a day. It just feels good when you solve things out. I find it frustrating, though, when I can't manipulate myself enough to thinking and I end up having two 2's in one line. Arrgghh!!!

Soldier got married. On the first night he realized his wife had her period. He telegrammed headquarters: Red alert on front, extending leave!Reply from headquarters: Attack from back and report to HQ!

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Birthday Boy - Junjun

Today, the fourteenth day of May, is the birthday of a beloved brother. He is no other than Bassanio D. Navarro, Jr. or Junjun for short. He is the second of the three siblings of Bassanio Sr.

As I know him, he is almost as shy as the grass (or flower) called makahiya. When we were still kids, he seldom got out of his room. Until I left for Davao, his attitude is always a very silent one.

Being the eldest and Jun, the kid next to me, we had a variety of quarrels before, from petty ones to a boxing match. He is a very intelligent guy and has always reasons for his actions. We have had debates over things because we don't usually agree on things. Call it perception, we have so many things perceived differently.

After his graduation in Silliman University, he is a Certified Public Accountant, he reviewed in Manila and has since consider the big city his second home. He had changed so much since then. He is now a very vocal one, had so many friends and is a good blogger. You should see his www.accountingtopbestschool.blogspot.com to attest this truth. It was he who rekindled my interest in blogging. I had started way ahead of him but stopped. But then when enthusiastically, he told me that he is into it, I said to myself, well Jun doesn't know that much about computers and programming and he is eagerly into it, I might as well get back to my own. Thank you Bro.

Presently, we seldom see each other due to the fact that he is in Manila and I'm in Davao. We met every Christmas when we all, including our youngest, Rex, go home for a family get-together. But we text each other oftentimes.

There is one quarrel that we had that I cannot forget. I gave him a right straight which had him black-eyed for almost a week. Though I had my reasons for doing so, I really regretted the incident that I secretly cried at he back of our house. I hope he consider that as part of our growing up. If not, well, I'm very sorry for that Bro, sincerely.

He is celebrating his birthday today with two cousins, Joymyrn and Sucsuc.

He is as old as he is and I hope he enjoys his life to the fullest. One passage that I can't forget which came from him is "Anything that is happening is the best thing that can happen to our lives". Even if we consider it a very bad one. He is that optimistic. I hope he remains so.

Gamao Fiesta

The fiesta celebration of Gamao Subd., Panabo City, falls on the feast of St. Joseph, the Worker, every 1st of May. It is usually a holiday, Labor Day it is. Expectedly, every fiesta boasts of hundreds of fiesta going Filipinos, it being a holiday.

This year it falls on a Monday so Sunday is the 'bisperas'. I had a boar about 80 kg ordered from a remote barrio delivered on Saturday on-board an Isuzu Canter. The pig arrived at about two PM and was taken to a shade inside my premises. That Saturday was also the date of the Battle of the Bands in Gamao as part of the fiesta celebration.

At about 8 PM, I went to the basketball court where the battle of the band was held. There were so many people watching the event, mostly teen-agers. There were fifteen groups who were vying for the top prize. I entered the venue by paying P20.00 and watched the show. The bands were mostly amateur so one cannot expect good performance except for a very few seasoned bands. There was also Rasta Republica, a reggae group from Gamao subd., who were there as guests. Their rendition of Maling Akala and Binibini caught the attention of the group.

When the tenth group was called, Arturo, my brother-in-law approached me and said, "Ya, namatay ang baboy". I was shocked and immediately got out of the venue and proceeded home.

I checked and double-checked the situation of the boar but, yes, it is already dead. There was nothing we could do but butcher the dead pig. I called my other brother-in-law but to no avail. I had to drove to Argie's (my sister-in-law) house and got Darien (her husband) to help us out. Only three of us started the fire to get the water boiling. There was none of us who really knew how to do the thing. We started scrapping the hair and all when, Yokyok, a neighbor, offered to help. Apparently he knew how to do the pig.

We started our ordeal at about 12:30 AM, Sunday and got finished at 4:00 AM. I went to the market to buy ice to preserve the meat. I fall asleep at 6:00 AM. At 8:00 AM, I marinated the meat as advised by Mama Indayon and proceeded to cut the meat according to use. It was a very tiring job!

The pig apparently was just drop from the top of the Canter and was all bruises and thus eventually died.

When my butcher, Edgar, arrived, he saw nothing to grab anymore and we just laughed it off.The fiesta came and go and it was all okay except that it took me two nights to have no or only a little sleep at all.

Visitors started arriving at 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM. I immediatly slept at 9:00 PM to cope up for lost sleep. It was a fiesta I can never forget.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

May Magic sa Maynila

I am reposting here an email from a magic friend, Chubby, about a magic event in Manila.

Greetings, If you or some of your friends and relatives happend to visit Manila, Philippines this month of May, have them check out the "May Magic sa Maynila" event. The venue of the said event is only 20 minutes away from our International Airport in Manila, and 5 minutes away from the U.S. Embassy.

Closing Ceremonies and Magic Show: 7pmMay 27, 2006, Raja Sulaiman ParkMost of the events will be happening at the Raja Sulaiman Park, but there will be street performers at the Baywalk as well.

One of Europe's famous magician, Mr. Paul Potassy will be visiting on Thursday evening (May 11) in support of the said event."May Magic sa Maynila" is a joint project of the City of Manila and the Magicians Foundation Inc. which is I.B.M. Ring 322.

If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch with me via the contact listed below.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Rules, Legends and More!!!

A few lines forwarded to me by Manong Demy Navarro:

In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb" -------------------------------------------Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language. -------------------------------------------The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.--------------------------------------------Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury. --------------------------------------------Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.-------------------------------------------- Coca-Cola was originally green.------------------------------------------- It is impossible to lick your elbow.------------------------------------------- The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska-------------------------------------------The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)-------------------------------------------The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - King DavidHearts - CharlemagneClubs -Alexander, the Great Diamonds - Julius Caesar--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?A. Their birthplace--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?A. Obsession -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?A. One thousand---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?A. All were invented by women.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?A. Honey-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?A. Father's Day-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on b ed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... "goodnight, sleep tight."----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down."It's where we ge t the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Samsung SGH-X700

I've got a new callphone after that wreckage incident on my ex(cellphone).

Before I went to Wintelcom ( a CP store at the Gaisano Mall-Davao), I had already read reviews about the Asus V66 and its brother J201. I was leaning on buying the V66 but I wanted something that has connectivity unto it (IR or blue tooth). Unfortunately V66 doesn't have it, although the other features are there, FM, MP3 player, video player, VGA camera, etc.

When I got to the cellphone store, the smiling saleslady entertained us and showed us some interesting phones, Motorola, Nokia, Asus, Ericsson, Motorola, etc. Though I am not keen on buying those 12k and above, I just nodded when she offered to demonstrate the cool gadgets. I liked the N70 and the Motorola (I forgot the model) but thought that 3G is still more than a year to really enter my segment (read affordability of rates) so it's out of the picture, besides its price of greater than 12K. The motorola one is good and its price is ok but it's a flip top one and personally, I don't like clamshells so it's also out. The Ericssons were a beauty with its walkman feature and it also has connectivity.

Bu my mind always thought of the V66, it's just above 10K and well (the connectivity thing is a hhhhh). I choose to have one with a connectivity because I use my phone in taking pictures in the lab and sharing it through IR or blue tooth plus those files that are... (you know).

When the Samsung SGH-X700 was demonstrated, I was a bit impressed by its features, those that I really wanted!!!

It has a 1.3 MP camera, a very clear screen, can take pictures and video, can play mp3 and video, has an FM radio and most importantly (to me) blue tooth. I was a bit hesitant because its price was more than 15K. It's introductory price however was 17K about a month ago. My wife also said the phone was cute and I like her reactions on it. She always has the last say in what I do. She is that important to me. So I decided to exert extra kwatz to make for the price. Good thing, the woman in the cash register said that the unit is now P10 less than 14K. So I really decided to get SGH-X700

I got my credit card and handed it to the lady but she said that they will be charging an additional 6% if paid with cards!!!. What?!!!

Anyway, I got it that day without any 6% charges...

I went home with my pocket crying but nevertheless I knew that I got a good gadget.

As of the moment I'm happy with it and am still studying on its other features.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Recollection at Aguakan Cold Spring Resort - Part 2

The recollection started at 1:30 PM. The parents were facilitated by Rev. Nino and the kids were given lecture and entertained by another reverend. I'm sorry, this is one of my weakness, that of not remembering any new names.

The facilitator discussed on marriage and family. Marrigae today is threatened by the constant agitation thru media. Soap operas and telenovelas seem to depict and evangelize single parenthood. Separation and divorce is somewhat justified in this everyday life in the boob tube. There is no TV program at primetime that focuses on family and its bindings, only family and its fragile situations. Volatile scenes about the tragedies of families which end up in separation abound the news.

He provided some anecdotes on family strength and on how to cope with the cahllenges that comes with marriage. His "three or more=polygamy, two=bigamy, one=monotony" elicited some laughs. He touches on the human side of the husband and the ratatat side of a wife.

All in all, he put us always on the situation of examining ourselves and how do we rate us according to the vows that we gave on the day of our marriage. Closeness between husband and wife seem to deteriorate as years go by. The closeness because of love is slowly eaten by the troubles and quarrels.

The two hour and a half sermon and storytelling is just a pinch of the time that we spent in the resort but it did bring in some fresh hopes of love to emanate from within the hearts of those who attended. I, myself, realized some of my faults and my misdeeds. I may not be able to express these to my wife but I'm sure she can read this as well as observe the change in me.

I hope that this continuation of a change in my life will continue to inspire me and put my in the right direction.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Recollection at Aguakan Cold Spring Resort - Part 1

Last April 8 - 9, 2006, we had a recollection at the Aguakan Cold Spring Resort in Maragusan, Compostela Valley Province. The group composed of overseers, superintendents, managers and AVP with their corresponding families. There were at least 250 persons who attended the affair.

We left Panabo at about 6:45 AM in April 8 and arrived at the resort at past 10 AM. The trip covered 104 kilometers, 65 km of which is concrete and the remaining 39 km is rough road. We passed by Tagum City, a beautiful emerging city which has jumped from a class C city into a class A one.

From Tagum, the convoy followed the zigzag road to Mawab, the town of Manoling, my uncle (father's side) and a relative, Dr. Egberto Flordeliz. The town is a small one with only a few people in the highway since their market is located at a distance from the national road.

From Mawab started the asphalted wide road. One cannot feel the bumps of a concrete road when traveling in a smooth asphalt road. There were still a few portions which are constructed but nevertheless, the travel is fine. We passed by a restaurant specializing in Bibingka Mandaue and bought a few pieces to munch on the way.

Upon reaching Nabunturan, we made a right turn and our lead decided to wait for the other cars to arrive. We stayed for 30 minutes and let the others proceed ahead of us. We travelled about 10 km and made a left turn to the rough road leading to Maragusan.

The road was very rough. It had rained the night before so there are small ponds which causes the uneveness of the road. We started our 1.5 hour ascent at the speed of only 20 km/hr. There are some portions where we can reach 50 km/hr but only on a very short distance. The ride was bumpy and scary as well. There are cliffs at the side of the road where one cannot anymore decipher what's below. On the right, we can see cliffs that seemed to rush downward in a landslide manner.

With me are Ann, Isle, Ark, Benny, a superintendent and his wife, Ate Naidz. We were conversing and laughing along the way but deep inside I know, we were praying silently. There were buses that just whizzed past us not minding the road. Maybe they were so at home with the place that they don't get scared anymore. Two of the Isuzu Elf that were with us got flat tires.

We arrived at the place at about 10:15. The place was not as cold as advertized. WE proceeded to our assigned room and prepared for lunch. The kids started to run around with some old and new friends. The lunch was good. I was very full. I liked the dinuguan best.After a few chat with friends we decided to retire to our room and had a short nap. The recollection will start at 1:30 PM.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Nokia 6260

I am attending the 21st Philippine Chemistry Congress held in Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City. At about 2:30 PM, I was asked to get the fruits from the Del Monte Office in Lanang, Davao City. Together with Ma'am Loida and Marlon, we proceeded to load three boxes of pineapple and four boxes of cavendish banana.

When we were about to leave the DM premises, I noticed that my celphone was not in my waist. I stopped at the gate and searched the whole car for the CP but to no avail. I must have dropped it while loading the fruits. I looked back about 50 meters and saw three persons waving their hands. One of them made a "gilit sa leeg" sign. I felt a rush of hot blood going up to my head. I got out and headed for their direction. I saw my CP case and the celphone in the hands of a guy. He handed it to me! I was shocked! It was crushed!! I felt cold!!!

My phone was dead. I apparently dropped it when I got unto the car and was eventually stepped on by the rear tire of the car. OHHHHhhhhh. I felt like shouting. I just shook my head.

Nokia 6260 has a 1.3 MP built-in camera, a 16 MB internal memory and a 32 MB external memory. It has a wide color view screen and a reliable touch pads. I can play mp3's and videos on it. I have more than two dozen messages stored there. I have pics stored in the internal memory and some videos too. About 60 % of my contacts are in there. And they are now lost.

When we got back to the convention. I felt like going home. And I did. While on my way, I was thinking what is the reason why it happened. It was not just an incident. There must be something positive about it. I had to think. What could be positive in that particular incident.

I thanked God for the patience that He gave me. I had quickly accepted the fact that I lost my celphone. Suddenly I realized, I never had this attitude before. When something bad happens, I got easily disgusted. Sometimes I can't control myself. But today it's different. I realized there's nothing I can do anymore. Whatever I do, I cannot take it back from the grave!!!! There are still other CPs waiting for me.

I thought, this may be a very bad experience for me but I'm sure this is just a dirt in my fingernail. Life must go on. My quest for a purpose still needs my attention. And who knows, this is one of God's plan to show me my right direction.

Lesson learned: After a dent, get up, get repaired, it's still a long way to go.

These are the names of the bands who will compete in this evening's Musiclaban in Aces Polytechnic College. The competition is open to amateur and beginner bands. From the names above, one can see creativeness, that is, in arriving on their specific band names. The good thing in this, is that, a lot of the bands have members below 16 years old!!!.

It is really in the mainstream of band events where the young ones excel. I have yet to witness their style of music as well as their showmanship atop the stage. I expect a lot of fireworks once the contest commences.

I've talked to some groups and almost all of them talk of the same song as their piece. I hope the judges would not be bored hearing and seeing different bands performing the same song/s. Well, it is the way of differentiating the good ones from , uhmm, the rotten ones.

The show is expected to start at 6:00 PM but here I am looking at my watch and it tells me its already 6:30 PM. The bands are allowed to sing two (2) songs only with at least one OPM song. That means about 15 minutes for each band including the preparation of their instruments. All in all, the affair would be at least 6 hours!!! Whew!!! If it will start at 7:00 PM, I'll end up sleeping at about 2:00 AM!!! I hope the organizers would realize this!!!

Bands are really in these days. Wherever good spot you go, you'll find bands playing, be it all-male, all-female, cardams (caraang damangs) and nu onez.

Organizers are still busy!!! There are already a few bands inside rehearsing their piece in their minds not minding the busy organizers.... I wonder what they are doing. the stage is already up, the seats arranged. Ahhh.... the judges are still not here!!!. Tsk, tsk, tsk yes, they cannot do it without them. What a waste of time waiting for some important people. Well, I may deal with this "arriving in not so late a time" thing in the next blog.

Monday, March 27, 2006

REALITY TV SHOW

The people behind the Pinoy Big Brother are really up to REALITY. That is, ratings game. Their show is the reality of real LIVES, LIVES of TV stations.

I had come into this conclusion after watching Budoy got evicted. Their reason - only a few people voted him to be retained as a housemate or is it? My conservative reason is that Bianca and Zanjoe should be retained to put fire in the house. The foursome of Keanna, John, Budoy and either Bianca or Zanjoe would be too boring. No televiewer will be glued to their seats just to get a glimpse of them. But with Zanjoe and Bianca around, the house burns with passion.

The conspiracy started when John nominated Budoy. That was it. There was no other reason offered but "Budoy has not been nominated before". They could not find anything meatier than that. John, obviously, had been used. They just have to nominate Budoy to retain Bianca and Zanjoe. The events that followed are expected. Rustom and Budoy will be evicted. Rustom realized this and got himself out of the COMPETITION. Maybe he sensed it and best, maybe he knew it all along.

Viewers votes are no match for greed. It is easy to say you got 50% or 25% or 5%. Nobody questions you because you have the rules. But deep in reality, one can find the truth. As Ruston said, "the truth shall set you free". ABS-CBN is free to do anything with the people inside the house.

PBB has to have the hype before entering into a new season with the youngsters (teens).

I admire the marketing strategy of ABS-CBN. They intertwine their shows that you don't know what you are watching anymore. This week they are plugging the return of Panday by playing the theme song in PBB. A topic in Buzz concerns the secret of the Big Brother House. Good thinking, I must say. We already saw them taking advantage of the ULTRA tragedy. They have exploded the idea that they help people in need, even if it's their making. Whew! What a game!

I am still watching ABS-CBN over GMA. I have my own reasons not worthy of discussing in this topic. Yet, I am always intrigued on the way these two stations are using people to their advantage.

I call that marketing strategy but is it? Is it not plain greed? Greed for revenues. In short, love for money.

We can always see, PBB donating something to institutions and other organizations, helping people realize dreams. But they earn more from these. These are the products of their advertisers who pay them to do so. I hope I'm wrong. I hope they're sincere in their quest for greatness??!!

Monday, March 20, 2006

New Bloggers

These are my two friends who are going to go into blogging, Joy and Cyrell.

Joy is a sophomore student in Aces Polytechnic College, Panabo City. She has a very good grasp in programming and would like to try it out on html. Well, they have a subject (maybe) on it so I expect something good from her.

Cyrell is a first year BSCS student in the same school and is inclined to discuss maybe on some fashion issues.

There the best of friends. They quarell at times but just the same, like siblings, they settle their differences before going to bed, not literally of course, as they belong to the same sex group.

Another student here is peeking on this article, Her name is Jovelyn, a typical Bol-anon and is taking up Office Management. She is always smiling. I seldom see her in a bad mood be it in an angry situation.

across the hall where I am blogging, I can see my students standing up. OOooops, it's almost time. No wonder they're looking in my direction waiting for a sign for them to get out of the room and head home

Maybe this is just as exhaustive day for them as it is for me.

This is a sample blog. I am showing joy some things that she can put and decorate her blog.

Good Luck Joy on your exploration in the world of weblogging. Ikaw rin Cy.

What Should Be The Title?

At last, I can now continue with blogging. I was in hibernation for over a month. I had a busy schedule, problems at work overwhelmed me.

Well, this is life, working at its best. I consider life as a challenge. It creates problems. It provides solutions and other alternative choices. The choices that we make and the decisions that we take when confronted with problems are products of the last heat that hit us.

I realized that life is always a challenge because there are so many things that is still left untouched by each of us, individually. Some things are already been experienced by others yet many are still in limbo when confronted with the same. And this goes round and round. If we consider a task solved, another mystery unfolds. If we let moments pass by and left a problem out in the cold, still another games enters. And then it complicates matters.

Life's experiences and difficulties are layered. One layer is the faith, family, another, friends and acquaintances, work and leisure. At least for me, this is the sequence. But we cannot really distinguish one from the other or can we?

This layering of priorities has an overlap difficult to establish. Establishing the real boundaries is like eating wherein you separate the rice and viand, drinking coffee with coffee first followed by creamer and then sugar. It doesn't make sense. I am in quandary for some time on how to create the line distinguising it.

Now, I realized, the line does not exist. The layers are not layers at all. The layers are just pigments of imagination. The mixture of faith, family friends, etc. is life. The importance that we consider with each of them is only based on a certain situation at hand. There are times when you value family first, but then again other time we consider work to be the driving force behind us, still there are always times when we want to heed our faith no matter what.

This is what life interesting. Interesting on the note that we cannot predict our own behaviour. As I write this, my first notion is just on the problem I got. But then again, after a few minutes of pondering and striking the keyboard, it comes to this. We may have plans for the next minute or so at the very least, but we cannot really tell if we can really do it without passing thru some process which may have some alternative routes. It's like shopping, what is listed is usually only a part of what is being actually bought.

But what really drives us all? There must be something behind all that we do. And it should be universal, meaning, it should be accepatble and applicable to all mankind. Something that is really worth our thinking and our time.

I got inspired on this when I read the Purpose-Driven Life by Warren. I think it will change my outlook in life. I'm still not through though but I hope I can find answers. Can it? Or I'm just doing my usual self of focusing my attention on something I believe and then realize later that it's not worth it. I hope not. I'm praying.

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Tragedy - Really?

ULTRA - the most talked about place last week and it continues nowadays.Reason - a stampede brought about by an overflowing crowd pushing against a temporary wall.Responsible - many. Others are investigating, others are insinuated, still others are guilty.

Why were so many people went to ULTRA?

To win prizes? To see Willy? There are so many reasons. Those who went there to win prizes were not really the poor of the poorest. They were the ones who have no work. I personally know somebody who is affluent but he has no work and still want to win a prize. Thank God, he's okay. Is it greed? Somebody said so... Each of us have a different opinion and view on what happened.

But the reality is, 71 dead (as corrected, previously it was 74) and 627 injured. Nothing else. Because we cannot do anything else. The damage had been so big and is already in the history of the Philippines.

This is life as it is. Tests and experiences abound. This is what we are destined for. To experience something that may point us to where we are going. What are the lessons that we learned? The lessons I learned just by hearing and seeing anything about the incident is that, Filipinos love to compete first. They love to offer and show strength. After a while, they show their soft side.

We can be as strong as steel yet can be as soft as cotton. But we prefer to do the former because of pride. And we only do the letter because we want to be acknowledged. In anything we do, we love our own self no matter what.

Ponder on this and examine yourself. Do we really need to be strong in order to show our weak side? Or are we exposing our soft side by appearing to be strong?

Yet, we say Filipinos are unique... Yes, this is our uniqueness.

And again, as days go by, we can possibly witness this tragedy fading into oblivion and probes and investigations hanging in the air. Proof of the Filipino impulse. It will be sorry for those who were used to expose the Pinoy blood. We can't really blame anybody, but ourselves. We can't blame the victims, they were just made instruments. We cannot blame politicians, they are just human. In every corner, we see reasons and justifications based on perceptions we possess given to us by life's experiences.

This is REALITY... A world of disorder where anything happens on the opposite end. A world where anything can be expected to happen, even the most gruesome ones. Little by little, I hope we see the pattern in this random world. The pattern which is so random we cannot determine if it follows laws or just the opposite.

Sunday, January 29, 2006

PACQUIAO

Last Sunday, the Philippines fortunately witnessed the demolition of Erik "El Terrible" Morales in the hands of Filipino boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao. The streets were filled with joyous people celebrating and recounting the events and punches that led to Paquiao's victory.

As of this writing, Pacquiao had already arrived and did his usual ware of parading through the streets of Manila except Makati whose residents I believe are fuming mad over the fact that they did not see their idol in person. Whatever the reason, it will be known sooner or later. But then, critics say that it was Malacanang who orchestrated the Makati bypass operation.

After the Sunday spectacle, where Manny Pacquiao showed the world that perseverance and hard work has its sweetest prize, that prayers can be answered and dreams can come true, came the politicians who showed the world how power hungry they are, how ksp (kulang sa pansin) they are, how arrogant they are and how they can manipulate the Filipino people. Politicians did put a dirty color to the win. They immediately relate the victory of Pacquiao to the traits and character of a Pinoy. And they added that Manny united the Filipino people.

Oh common... Everytime, there's one Filipino that excels in the international community, these sweet talks come in. And yet the Filipino is never changed. We are given false hopes. A Filipino is strong and is fearless. Are we? Strong because we can easily be swayed by money and power that we can sell our votes? Fearless because we fail to recognize the fault in our system.

Pacquiao is the most recognizable Filipino nowadays. But please don't put him in a situation wherein he will be judged. Put him in a ring to fight his foe not in an arena where he can be manipulated. Already, politicians are eyeing him on whatever their plans. They see a diamond in the person of the Pacman. They're gonna use him to the hilt that we may not be able to discern Pacquiao from the other greats who fell to the world of make believe - politics.

It is true that a Filipino is brave, and has a heart of a champion, is industrious and would take a beating just to get what he wants. Let's have the other nationalities say it to others. Not us, believing fully on ourselves, loving ourselves thus exposing our weaknesses. Of course, the win motivated the millions of Filipinos to dream. But only in dreams. Dreams can never turn into reality if there are no actions.

They say that the country needs Pacquiao to reunite the Filipinos. But kelan ba naging united and Filipinos that we need re-unification? We always boasts of the things that look good to other people and yet does not lift a finger to correct our very own mistakes and false traits.

This euphoria may last longer than expected but as long as there are still government servants who does not want to serve the people, there can never be a realization of dreams. The Filipino people dream of changes, of stable economy, of good and God-fearing government officials. But it is also the same Filipino people who make the politicians, the biggest crocodiles on earth. They are the ones who do not believe that the economy will improve. And the very people who resist change.

As I said earlier, we are given false hopes. And this is the reality that is hidden beneath the anaesthesia that is Pacquiao. We temporarily forget tha pain but the reality is - the Filipino is not worth the death of Ninoy.

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Software Piracy

Claims have been abundant that piracy, that is software or simply those cd’s sold in flea markets, takes away millions of dollars from the government in terms of taxes and for the industry, their voluptuous income.

There are advocates for the intellectual property rights law and there are those who are happy we have pirated software. Who are these men? The first group are paid by companies who charged exorbitantly high fees for original products and the second group, the simple consumers who just want to have a thing out of their meagre budget.

The first group charged high prices because they seem to overrate the people who made these softwares. They want to give the best compensation to their employees and they spent billions on research. In using these reasons, companies take in more. They are always on the comfort of their costumers. Comfort here will mean a very expensive one.

The second group are the users who are at the pity of these companies. They are the ones charged because of using pirated software. Yet these are the ones who make the economy float. These are the small enterprises.

The government is always saying that it is the micro-economy that provides employment, be it in small incomes, to the masses. Enterpreneurship is encouraged because it makes the country liquid in terms of cash flow.

Big companies can spend millions to purchase high-priced original softwares while low profile entrepreneurs can only afford the pirated ones. Why? Because big companies can pass on their cost to the consumers and consider it investments and when you say investment, there should be a ten-fold increase when time comes. The poor entrepreneur cannot, in any way pass, on things to his consumer or else he will be charging too high considering the market that he caters. And yet these are the people in which the government lean on.

Yes, in other countries, like Singapore or Japan, they seldom buy pirated ones, even for individual users. This is because their state of economy is far above ours. There entrepreneurs can afford to purchase and redistribute the price because the people can afford. Advocates always emulate other prosperous nation which is still a faded view in front of the Philippines. And yet they seem to be blind in terms of how much can the people afford here in the Philippines compared to the other nations.

Look at these technology companies. Yearly, they have an increase in sales and revenues. All these money which rings at their cash registers come from the consumers, it is at the expense of the people whom they want to serve best and fair. Is it fair for them to rake in billions by adjusting prices so that they will gain more all for the pain of their dear consumers? Can they just lower their projected net income or maybe just maintain it? They are having great bonuses at a time when piracy is high. Piracy is high and they are still raking in millions!!! That is how cruel they are and how arrogant they are in pricing their goods.

Sometimes I feel pirates are heaven sent. They provide these technology companies a look at the ground where they stood at. What will happen when there will be no more pirates? Prices of softwares can reach enormously high. And who gains the most? Them. The government can only take in a small portion in terms of taxes and will go straight to the pocket of these big-mouthed crocodile corrupt officials. The big bulk goes to their coffers at the expense of the trapped consumers. And when these happen, entrepreneurship will die. And when entrepreneurship dies, where can the government go?

I am not against protecting intellectual property. But it should not be overrated. And there should be a time frame on how long could an idea be protected. The world is evolving and so is intelligence. Have an idea and keep it to yourself and after sometime you’ll find that another person has come up with the same. I hope whoever coined the term intellectual property can explain its original meaning.

I don’t know anything about economy and accounting, etc. These are my understanding on piracy in relation to the economy. I may be wrong and I hope so.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

Being Blank

I lost what I have written tonight. It was about being blank sometimes. I was so blank I pressed something, all that I have written for the last fifteen minutes were gone.

And now I'm back being blank.

I cannot understand what I've done. I cannot remember what key or a combination of keys I pressed.

Have you ever experienced something like this? It's called a mental block. I used the word when I was still a student. Everytime I fail to get a good exam, I always say I had a mental block. One of the reasons I got that is cramming. I used to study in the morning of an examination day. Sometimes I study ten to fifteen minutes prior to the exam proper.

And now I'm experiencing the same. I have two Visual Basic Projects to finish all for the good of some BSIT students who asked me to help them. One is for a Library System and the other is for a Memorial Service. Grrrr, I already wrote this a while ago.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

EVAT Experience

EVAT or RVAT has been implemented across the archipelago. It is almost always the reason for the price increase of basic commodities. Even the price increase of certain products which are subjected to VAT before is correlated to EVAT.

But some Filipinos found a way to further push this negative impact of EVAT.

I had a dinner last Sunday with my wife in a mall. I noticed an increase in the price of the food to be higher, so I teasingly ask the sales lady why, she said, "Naa nay VAT Sir." I expected this answer since almost all my askings regarding increase in fare or price, EVAT always comes as the runaway winner as the most voiced out reason.

We proceeded to our table and started eating. As I always do, I scanned the receipt and found out something. - On top of the total price is an additional 10% VAT!.

I was hit twice! by the same EVAT. I now translate EVAT as Extra VAT.

And again, just this afternoon, I experienced the same in another establishment...

Well, this may be it... Unscrupulous people seem to have found something good out of EVAT but on the expense of the others.

So, is EVAT good for us? Ask a customer and you'll get an answer, ask a businessman and you'll get an answer. But these answers are almost on the opposite sides of the coin.

This is plain REALITY. Politicians and economists may snub this things and consumers may accept these as it is because it is the law, but the REALITY remains that because of these things, the Philippines can't seem to take off.

Saturday, January 07, 2006

AH NEW YEAR

What brings people to spend time with families during the eve of the new year?It usually goes that whatever you do or whatever happens during the first day of the year will happen in the rest of it.

People don't spend much on new year's day for fear of having to spend every day of the year. Transportation is scarce, operators think that nobody would go riding their buses, etc. Supermarkets do not open for fear of only a few shoppers will go and will continue for the rest of the year.

Does this reflects the true essence of a new year? Is it true that everything you do in that very first day of the year is replicated along the days?

I experienced these from my childhood days. But somehow, this new year, it struck me. Why are we doing these? Just for the tradition? OK. We've got to preserve our tradition but how does this tradition get this? What part of history does this tradition started?

Filipinos have so many superstitious beliefs which are handed down from generation to generation. At times, when one belief is questioned, somehow, there's a penalty for those who dare ask for the very specific reason for such. In my hometown, still, these beliefs abound. And in cases when it is questioned, the old phrase keeps coming "Wa may mawala kon motoo ta!" ("You don't lose a thing if you believe"). Then kids and querying minds would stop.

A new year comes with new hope. A new year comes with resolutions. I tend to agree with my brother who said in his blog that, hope, faith, changes should not wait for a new year to be implemented and desired. Everyday is an opportunity to change, and for the better.

So by sticking fully to the traditional beliefs, can one achieve a better life? Is doing a thing because of tradition brings luck or is it the other way around. What if by doing the things we thought (because of tradition and beliefs) to be bad brings in more changes for the improvement of one's life? Only a few people do. I myself would like to try to move my life to the opposite side of the fence but somehow the culture that raised me gives stinging sensations to think twice. This culture is what has made us Filipinos unique and maybe the ones that made our country what it is today.

So is new year for a new beginning or just an ordinary day made special by tradition? Chinese new year does not start until February.

Monday, December 19, 2005

Card Magic

This is my very first card trick which uses mathematical calculations. If followed it can be easily deduced but at the moment of performance seem to dumbfound the spectators. Enjoy.

Effect: Three persons aremade to get each a card in which they memorize. The performer deals three piles and holds a fourth packet. The guests are made to place their respective cards in the each piles and covered with some packets from the other piles. The cards are dealt and eventually the last three cards are the ones taken by the spectators.

Performance:Have three people each select a card without showing it to you. Tell them to memorize their card.Deal one pile of 10 cards face down. Next to it deal a pile of 15 cards, and next to that deal another 15-card pile. Keep the remaining 9 cards in your hand. Have the first person put his (or her) card on top of the 10-card pile, cut as many cards as he wants from the second pile, and put them on his card. Have the second person put her card on the second pile, cut as many cards as she wants from the third pile, and put them on top of her card. Have the third person put his card on top of the third pile, hand him the 9 cards you're holding, and have him place them on top of his card.Pick up the last pile, put it on the middle pile, and put both on the first pile. Make clear that the cards are now lost and you will find them. Take four cards off the top and place them on the bottom of the deck. Explain that you are going to flip a card up and next to it one down and keep on repeating this until you don't have cards in your hand. Tell the spectators to say "Stop" if they see their card. Deal the cards alternately into two piles, one face up and one face down, starting with the face-up pile. When all the cards have been dealt (the spectators won't see their card unless you mess up), push the face-up pile aside and pick up the other pile. Deal it into two piles in exactly the same way. Keep repeating this until you have only three cards left face down. Turn them over, and there are their cards. The top one is the third person's card, the next is the second person's card, and the bottom one is the first person's card.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

MY HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

Everytime I visit the reunion website of our batch in high school, I would always go to the Things ENI. It is there that our achievements, firsts, lasts, baptism, etc are listed. Thanks to our very energetic classmate Nilo.

When one think of high school, I can't imagine it without the ever-challenging CAT-1. During CAT-1 days, the things that comes to my mind first are the questions Mr. Gazo and Mr. Jordan threw to us. Questions that are sometimes practical but requires a lot of attention and wit.

Here are a few of those:

1. What makes oil boil?2. What makes you young?3. Em Eye crooked crooked eye crooked crooked eye pee pee eye. What is it?4. You were riding in a truck. If I will replace you in the truck, what will happen to the truck?5. Spell Mississippi with one "i".6. See each side by side, you are inside. What is it?7. If a black stone is thrown to the red sea, what will happen to the stone?8. Big Indian and small indian are walking in a street. Small indian is the son of big indian but big indian is not the father of small indian. Who is big indian?9. A man visited a prisoner and was ask by the guard on duty what's their relationship. the man said, "Brothers and sisters I have none. He is the son of my father's son." How related are they?10. How can you empty a mountain?11. Two mothers and two daughters went for a snack. They ordered one burger each together with iced tea. They were served three buns with meat and three glasses of iced tea. How can it be?

This coming Dec. 29, 2005, our batch in high school (East Negros Institute Batch 1985) will be having our reunion after twenty long and fruitful years. It is expected to be fun and memorable as our memories of the past. Preparations for this said event had started late last year and with the effort of our beloved classmates who are so very generous of their time, the announcement had gone past boundaries. Our good friend, Mr. Nilo Agir, is the one who had been so warm and kind enough to always remind everybody. Batchmates in Tanjay, Rosemarie Mananquil, Gracia Banogon and the others made sure that this will be a great event, not just for us batchmates, but for all our loved ones. There may be others who cannot come due to some unavoidable circumstances but I'm sure, that night, their minds will be with us. Nilo and the organizing committee had so much ideas of fun and excitement. The program of activities had been planned and re-planned. There is no stopping now.

Thanks will also be extended to our batchmates who made it to the land of milk and honey. I can't help but smile whenever I read that some friends are giving away things for the sake of their friends. It's been too long. But the time and space that separates us seem to melt and here we are, very eager to see the difference between then and now.

Questions will be raised when we enter the door at the venue... Who has become fat? Who has remained sexy? Who have Santa bellies? there will be ooohhs and aaahhs but I'm sure the loudest would be hehehe and hahaha...

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Religion or Science

There are atheists. There are religious purists. There are scientists. What is the difference or similarity between science and religion?

For me, science is here or will be here to explain religion. Religion had already paved the way. It's up to science to explain religion and the things which are associated with it.

I had a good discussion with a friend the other night. We discussed about religion and what has science got to do with it. Or the other way around, what has religion got to do with science. There are those who believe in creation, I am one of them. And there are those who believe in evolution, I am one of them. So where do I really go with?

Let's start in the notion that God created men equally. God made the heavens and the earth. He created and spread the laws of nature. He is good, honest and fair. He made man in the likeness and image of God (I am not a bible scholar here). He made all of the things conceivable in six days and on the seventh he rested. Seven good days.

Maybe we all hear about the story of man who asked God for one centavo. He asked only a centavo because a centavo of God is worth millions here on earth. God answered, "in a second." We all know what happend next. In a second, no money had ever landed in the man's hand. He ask Him why? He answered, "If my centavo is worth a fortune, how long do you think is my second?" The man left realizing that in order to earn, he has to exert effort. And to earn more is to work for longer hours.

It's a refreshing story. I cannot remember where I heard it but it struck me and stuck into my mind.

As mentioned above, God made all laws. A few of these laws had already been discovered, the laws of Physics for example. These laws can somehow explain some things that happened in the bible. Think of these things, you already have the idea what they are. And there are still other things in the Bible which are still mind-boggling. And science is still in its infancy as far as discovering the natural laws of which God had created. Each day, man discovers something, be it about the laws of nature or about himself. Man has not fully understood himself yet. God created man in the likeness and image of God. But man's predisposition in life is so far away from that of God. So there is still a lot to learn about our life in earth. And this is science, psychology. It's all in the mind!!!

Everything that we do reflects our understanding of things. Our experiences taught us differently from what we hear or read or see. Atheists focus themselves in believing that everything they do is of their own doing, human are supposed to take full responsibility for their fate and destiny. Religious leaders rests their fate in the hands of God, always there's a continuity between man and God. Scientists would like to explain his actions, in every action there is always a reaction. Aren't these three the same? Read and think again.

If we are going to see the world from afar and from history and beyond combining the Bible and science, we may see this scenario:

God created laws of nature. Because he is honest and fair. He made other things and subjected them to these laws. Man is created through this laws. The laws which support evolution. He created the universe in six days but not the one hundred forty-four hours that we know. God knows and expects that everything takes time because he created these laws first. Life on earth is a test or training on how we could achieve to be in His likeness and image. All these things are slowly explained by science. Yet people are still exploring for other explanations why we exist. These explanations again, if there will be any, will be within the laws of nature. The laws which are created by God and only discovered by man. There are so many laws. And these laws are not contradictory because He is fair.

By reading this, what do you think am I? An atheist, a religious purist or a scientist?

I am only asking. And please, ponder, look yourself up in the mirror and ask the man in the mirror, does religion and science really have to collide?